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SlotCatalog – iGaming Voice by Yeva
AffPapa recently had the opportunity to talk to the Head of the Affiliate Department at SlotCatalog, Misha Kachanov, who shared his insights on how data can be used in the industry to drive positive change, ways affiliates can stand out in the crowded iGaming affiliation market, and the future of cryptocurrencies in the gambling sector.
Yeva: Let’s start off our interview with a brief introduction to SlotCatalog. What does it offer to the player? What is its mission?
Our platform offers players access to various online casino games and impartial reviews. Our mission to provide players with the answers to the most common questions in the online casino world: What to play? Where to play? At SlotCatalog, we believe in transparency and integrity, providing data-driven insights and analytics to help players make informed decisions. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, SlotCatalog has everything you need to enhance your online gambling experience.
Yeva: With so much competition in the casino and game review space, what does SlotCatalog do to stand out? How has the company positioned itself in the market?
I take great pride in SlotCatalog’s reputation as a trusted authority in the online casino and game review industry. We prioritize providing our users with accurate and reliable data to help them make informed decisions about their gambling activities. Our platform offers a user-friendly experience with advanced search filters, detailed reviews, and the latest industry news. I’m excited to share that our unique ranking systems, such as SlotRank and ProviderRank, along with our Hot/Cold Games feature, set us apart from the competition.
We have launched SlotCatalog as hobby project in 2016 to find out which games and providers were the best and most popular, and now it has grown into a well established product. And now, our platform offers players valuable insights and information, making it easier to find the best games and casinos that suit their preferences. We believe that everyone involved in gambling affiliate marketing should prioritize players’ well-being above all else. Our extensive database of games and casinos allows us to offer players unique insights they won’t find anywhere else.
Yeva: What does SlotCatalog do to ensure the safety of its players and remain unbiased in its reviews?
At SlotCatalog, we take the safety of our players very seriously and strive to remain unbiased in our reviews. We have several measures to ensure that our platform is safe and trustworthy and our reviews are fair and impartial. We use analytical data and objective information to provide players with valuable insights about online slot games and casinos, in addition to reviewing the game’s attributes. First and foremost, we only list and review online casinos and games licensed and regulated by reputable authorities. We carefully vet each casino and game before listing them on our platform, ensuring that they meet our strict standards for safety and fairness. In addition, we have a team of expert reviewers who are independent and unbiased in their evaluations of online slot games. They have extensive experience in the industry and use a standardized review process to evaluate each game based on a range of criteria without any influence or bias from external factors.
Moreover, strict editorial policies prohibit any conflicts of interest or bias in our reviews. We do not accept payment or incentives from game developers or operators in exchange for positive reviews, and we disclose any partnerships or affiliations we may have with these companies. To further ensure the safety of our players, we provide resources and information on responsible gambling and encourage our users to gamble responsibly. We also have measures in place to protect user data and maintain the privacy of our users. We at SlotCatalog are committed to providing a safe and trustworthy platform for online slot games and maintaining the highest standards of impartiality and fairness in our reviews! To achieve this, we use various methods to gather data. Firstly, we collect information manually from game providers and directories. Secondly, we scan thousands of casinos across 50+ countries to ensure that our listings are comprehensive and trustworthy. By combining multiple sources, we can provide our users with a reliable platform to explore the online gambling world with confidence.
Yeva: How does the website incorporate analytics into its reviews, Misha?
At SlotCatalog, we believe that analytics is a powerful tool that provides us with valuable insights and information about online slot games. We use player engagement metrics like the number of spins, gameplay duration, and win size to understand which games are most popular and offer the best payouts. Our team also analyzes player feedback through user ratings and reviews to identify areas for improvement. Moreover, we keep a close eye on industry trends and emerging patterns, including game developers, themes, and markets. In addition, we have Data Partnerships with casinos to ensure that the games listed on our website are available for play in the exact brands displayed on the game page. We encourage casinos to share their data with us so that we can offer the best possible experience to our users. Finally, we use analytics to enhance our search engine and filtering tools, making it easier for users to find games that suit their preferences.
Yeva: One of SlotCatalog’s aforementioned guides covers the topic of casino RTPs. How important do you think it is for players to know the concept of RTPs in the gambling industry?
I believe it’s essential for players to understand the concept of RTPs, or return to player rates, as it can significantly impact their gameplay experience. Knowing the RTP of a game is crucial for players because it can impact their overall gaming experience. Especially considering that we see a trend towards an increase in the number of games with customizable RTP. At SlotCatalog, we believe in transparency, and that’s why we provide players with valuable information about the average RTP of casinos. Our new concept of Casino RTP Value helps players to make more informed decisions and choose the best online casino for their needs. By comparing the RTPs of different casinos, players can easily see which ones offer the highest return rates, promoting fairness and transparency in the industry. We strive to simplify the process of choosing the best online casino, and our Casino RTP Value approach does just that.
Yeva: You also review crypto casinos on the website. Where do you think the future of crypto is headed towards? How have you seen the demand for cryptocurrency evolve among players?
We have noticed a remarkable shift in player preferences towards cryptocurrencies. This trend is showing no signs of slowing down, and we anticipate an increase in the integration of cryptocurrencies within the online casino industry. At SlotCatalog, we recognize the increasing popularity of crypto casinos, which is why we’ve dedicated a section of our website to these types of online casinos. This allows players to easily access and compare the best crypto casinos available. We understand that the demand for cryptocurrency is constantly evolving, and our goal is to stay up-to-date with these changes to ensure we’re providing our users with the most relevant and useful information possible.
Yeva: Can you share a bit about the three SlotCatalog-powered data-driven categories at the upcoming SBC Game Developer Awards? How did the partnership come about?
We are thrilled to partner with SBC for their upcoming Game Developer Awards! Our partnership with SBC began with the mutual recognition of the importance of data in the iGaming industry. Our goal has always been to provide our clients with the most comprehensive and accurate data-driven insights to help them make informed decisions. The three data-driven categories at the SBC Game Developer Awards reflect our commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in game development. The Outperforming Game Studio of the Year award recognizes studios that have shown impressive growth compared to their position a year ago, while the Game Studio of the Year award highlights the studio with the highest slot rank over the last 12 months. Lastly, the Rookie of the Year award recognizes new studios that have made the most significant impact in the industry in the previous year. I even allow myself to add a little intrigue. This year, we’re taking it a step further by not only considering positions in the lobby but also incorporating additional data from our Data partnership to make the awards even more accurate and unbiased. We’re excited to see who will win these prestigious awards and are proud to participate in this event!
Yeva: What benefits do award ceremonies provide to the industry? Do you think they help foster iGaming innovation?
Award ceremonies play a crucial role in recognizing and rewarding the hard work, creativity, and innovation of individuals and companies in the iGaming industry. It motivates teams to strive for excellence and set new standards for the industry. Recognizing industry achievements also helps build trust and credibility among players while showcasing the latest trends and advancements in the industry. Additionally, award ceremonies provide a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration between industry leaders and emerging talent, thus promoting iGaming innovation. Award ceremonies are essential to the iGaming ecosystem and help drive the industry forward.
Yeva: When it comes to partnering with operators, what are some of the factors you take into account? What are the red flags?
We always consider several factors when partnering with operators, such as the operator’s reputation, licensing, and regulatory compliance. We also believe in the operator’s player retention and acquisition strategies, game offerings, and promotions. Additionally, we look at their financial stability and the terms and conditions of the partnership agreement. As for red flags, we avoid operators with a history of non-payment to affiliates or players, poor customer service, or unethical business practices and have a dedicated Scam Casinos section on our website to warn players about these operators. Partnering with reputable operators benefits our company and our players in the long run.
Yeva: To close off our interview, I am sure that our readers would like to learn more about you, Misha. What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
As the Head of Affiliate Department at SlotCatalog, my primary hobby outside of work is making sure our affiliates are happy and prosperous! But in all seriousness, I am a true movie buff and love catching the latest blockbuster. You can find me playing sports or enjoying outdoor activities when I’m not glued to the big screen. And last but not least, I am a proud dad to two adorable cats who keep me on my toes. Maybe one day I’ll even teach them how to gamble responsibly!
Company: SlotCatalog
Interviewee: Misha Kachanov
Date: 05.04.2023
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